New Delhi. Union Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy said the Government was committed to enhancing the role of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) in future and detailed the various steps being taken by the Government of force modernisation.
He noted that the capabilities of the force were being enhanced through initiatives such as imparting the training of Mandarin to 200 officers and jawans and the construction of ITBP priority roads at a rapid pace. Reddy said that 45 new roads had been sanctioned as ITBP priority roads at the cost of 20,000 crore rupees. He also noted the establishment of 23 new Border Outposts (BOPs) of ITBP since 2014.
The Minister presided over the 58th Raising Day of ITBP and took the salute of the Raising Day Parade. Also present was SS Deswal, DG ITBP.
The Parade comprised of all Frontier Contingents of the Force including women, Commando, Skiing, mountaineering and paratroopers’ contingents besides the dog squad & mounted columns. The parade showcased different aspects of the Force, including recently inducted machines and equipment, snow scooters, all-terrain vehicles, different high-end SUVs, Pol Net and various communication and surveillance equipment.
Speaking on the occasion, the MoS noted the diverse roles of ITBP in the current internal security context. He said that the force’s contribution includes a wide range of tasks from securing Indian embassies and consulates in foreign nations to providing security for Amarnath and Mansarovar Yatras, as well as operations in left-wing extremism areas and relief and rescue during disasters. Reddy hailed the raising of ITBP’s first all-women mountaineering team and said that this was a major step forward for women’s empowerment.
He also appreciated the role of ITBP personnel in fighting the insurgency in Punjab and in Red Corridor areas of the country. He praised the force’s initiatives to win the hearts and minds of locals and their contribution towards development works being undertaken in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas.
The Minister also said that ITBP having trained as a Guerilla war force and due to their great professionalism has also been deployed for protecting the Indian embassies abroad. ITBP has also raised two NDRF Battalions for rescue work in Himalayan range.
During the investiture ceremony the MoS presented the six Gallentry, six Police Medal of Distinguished Service and 23 Police Medals for Meritorious Service to the ITBP Personnel.
Ending his address, Reddy said that the nation would forever be proud of and indebted to the sacrifice and valor of ITBP.
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) was raised on October 24, 1962 in the wake of Chinese aggression on Indo-China border. Every year, this day is celebrated as the raising/ foundation day of the force to commemorate the valor and achievements of the ITBP and to boost the morale of the force personnel.
The ITBP was initially raised for reorganising the frontier intelligence, preventing illegal intrusion & smuggling and security set up along the Indo-Tibetan border as a guerilla force. Consequent upon the expansion of the Force, the ITBP was also entrusted with the additional tasks from time to time in addition to border security duty, counter insurgency duty and internal security duties.
